The rapid expansion of the GCC’s downstream industry is a key factor that is generating global interest in a plastics exhibition and conference in Sharjah.

Organized by Expo Centre Sharjah in association with All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA), the 4th Plastivision Arabia 2017 has already seen some of the leading players from across the world confirming their presence.

“Today, Plastivision Arabia is one of the biggest gatherings of industry executives and professionals in the Middle East region. The partnership with AIPMA has not only helped Expo Centre to establish the show in quick time but also develop and maintain great synergy with the Indian business community in the UAE and the region,” said H.E. Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah.

The previous edition of the show held in 2016 featured more than 250 leading manufacturers and dealers from across the world and attracted 6,619 trade visitors from 88 countries. The 4th Plastivision Arabia 2017 will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from December 11 to 14.

“What started as a plastics processing industry event is now one of the largest multi-industry trade show in Sharjah. Targeting the plastics, mold-making, printing and packaging sectors, the 4th Plastivision Arabia will be held along with 4th Arabia Mold & and 3rd Print Pack Arabia,” said
H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Increasing foreign participation is a key facet of Plastivision Arabia. “Apart from the largest number of Indian exhibitors, courtesy AIPMA, Plastivision Arabia can boast of strong participation from Taiwan and China. Since Taiwan plastic machinery enjoys a substantial market share in the Middle East, the show will have a large contingent of Taiwan exhibitors who are looking at expanding their presence in the region,” added H.E. Midfa.

With plastics machinery and raw materials forming a big chunk of bilateral trade between China and the UAE, the Chinese participation will also go up considerably for the upcoming edition.

Since the Indian plastics machinery industry is a global player providing cutting edge products at a competitive price, the show becomes an important platform for Indian machinery makers to tap the GCC and Middle East market.

Moreover, for the first time, Germany’s Arburg will be present at Plastivision Arabia as a Seminar Supporter where it will present a topic on ‘Application-specific machine technology for cost-effective packaging moulding’. Arburg is one of the leading global manufacturers of injection moulding machines for plastics processing for over six decades.

Organisers as well as exhibitors are optimistic that the high growth of the plastics industry in the GCC is expected to attract more quality visitors and drive up sales at the show.

According to the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA), the GCC plastics industry is expected to reach 34.5 million tonnes by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3%. Industrial packaging is the fastest growing end-user market for polymers in the GCC region, consumer packaging accounts for 44%, while the construction industry accounts for more than a fifth. Plastic consumption is also increasing rapidly and reached 94kg per capita in 2016.